Not everyone wants to see a woman in a head scarf represented in popular culture, and that even includes some muslim women who believe that hijab represents only one side of a large and diverse religion. Here are some amazing women who break barries all over the world proudly with their hijab on!

Nour Tagouri

A graduate of one of the top journalism schools at the age of 20, she has been an associate journalist for CBS Radio, a local news reporter for CTV News in DC, and has traveled as a motivational speaker. She launched the viral #letnoorshine campaign in 2012.

She is also successfully creating an inviting space for people to celebrate their individuality and embrace diversity. One of her latest success stories to add to the hearty list is recently being named one of Playboy Magazine’s 2016 Renegades, further showcasing how Tagouri isn’t afraid to break the rules and norm within her capacity in order to succeed in doing all that she loves.

2. Halima Aden

A 19 year old American fashion model. She is noted for being the first Somali-American to compete and become a semi-finalist in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant 2016 she then became the first contestant in that pageant to wear a burkini and a hijab, a move that some analysts saw as a move towards diversification in the modeling industry.

The following year, Aden was signed to IMG Models and has a three year contract with renewal. In February 2017, Aden made her debut at the New York Fashion Week for Yeezy Season 5. She will be a preliminary and telecast judge of the Miss USA 2017 pageant.

She was the first hijab-wearing model to walk international runways and to be signed to a major agency. In June 2017, she became the first hijab-wearing model on Vogue Arabia’s cover. She also became the first hijab-wearing model on an Allure cover, for their July 2017 issue.

3. Ginella Massa

Ginella Massa became Canada’s first hijab-wearing television news reporter in January 2015. She made history again in 2016 when she filled in as the late anchor on CityNews Toronto, making her the first woman in hijab to ever anchor a major newscast in Canada. Ginella has worked both behind-the-scenes and on-air for local and national Canadian news outlets since 2010, including CityNews, CTV, NEWSTALK 1010, and Rogers Television.

Ginella graduated with an Honours B.A. in Communication Studies at York University, and has a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from Seneca College. She has co-hosted and produced her own web-series, provided live coverage of provincial and municipal elections, and has been published in the Globe and Mail and National Post. ​

4. Dalia Mogahed

The US’ first Muslim woman in the White House back in 2009, Dalia Mogahed is one of Barack Obama’s ‘closest advisors’ advocating the views and opinions of Muslims across the US in the most simplistic, recognizable and agreeable way. The Egyptian born advisor holds her title as a renowned speaker and writer, objective and credible in her speech and actions. What puts her in the top 10 of 2015 is her competitive passion even until this day. With the current events regarding western involvement in the Middle Eastern conflicts, governmental influence on our lives is now bigger than it has ever been and to have a Muslim woman influence a part of this is an achievement.

5. Nadiya Hussain

Nadiya sets up the highlight of TV entertainment of 2015, conquering cakes and tough competition at “The Great British Bake Off”. Her bright and exciting personality as well as her colorful cakes and chocolate sculptures inspired by her exciting sense of culture has won over the hearts of millions. What puts Nadiya as one of the top 10 is her flying success throughout this year and her ambition to continue to do so in 2016. Having signed a publishing deal with Michael Joseph and hoping to start a cooking show with Bake Off Finalist Tamil Ray, the Bake Off would certainly not be the last thing we hear from Nadiya.

6. Ibtihaj Muhammad

Who thought Muslim women would take their turn in fencing? Meet Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first female Muslim American fencer in the world. Her achievement seems to extend beyond her muslim identity: she is also ranked as one of the best female fencers in the world, reserving her place as an Olympian in the upcoming Olympics; “It’s always been my dream,” Muhammad remarks. Just this year she has gathered several awards for her performance and skill, and also an award as one of the top 10 Muslim women of 2015. En garde!

7. Malala Yousafzai

It’s young women like her who deserve the highest rank, even those who aren’t as recogniéed for their activism as Malaila. As an activist at the age of 16, she was the youngest holder of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, standing up for the right of education and freedom.